What are first-graders thankful for? Family. Friends. Mealworms.

Thanksgiving is early this year, but it's never too late to share what we are thankful for. Most of us will mention our family, friends and pets. But don't forget about hot chocolate, marbles and mealworms.

This is our 10th year asking local students what they are thankful for, and the variety of responses shows just how creative these first-graders are.

Here are some of our favorites of the hundreds of entries. We've corrected basic grammar to make the entries more readable.

"I am thankful that we get to vote! I am thankful for voting because I've always wanted to! And, I never want to move out of this country." -- Maxwell Townsend, Inver Grove Heights; Pine Bend Elementary

"I'm thankful for playing on the playground. It makes me grow. It makes me strong. It is healthy to exercise. When I'm hot, the fresh air helps cool me off." -- Jovan Talavera, St. Paul; Nokomis Discovery Club

"I am thankful for helping my dad because I help him fix the car to go on a trip." -- Damita Schwartz, South St. Paul; Kaposia Education Center

"I am thankful for my family because they have kept me alive. My family is great." -- Kash Olness, South St. Paul; Kaposia Education Center